Mexico Pachuca Mission

"Get going. Move forward. Aim High. Plan to takeoff. Do not just sit on the runway and hope someone will come along and push the airplane. It simply will not happen. Change your attitude and gain some altitude. Believe me, you 'll love it up here. "

This is the baptism I referenced last week where the zone leaders paid compliments to the sisters on what an incredible baptismal service they organized with their ward. The spirit was so strong and everything was in order from flowers, to posters, and delicous cookies. These sisters are new to this zone as we have not had sisters in Tecamac for quite some time. They give great effort and are great examples to the whole zone on work ethic and being bold! President and I could not be more proud .... thank you Sisters !

"Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort"

Paul J Meyer

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Sister Sanchez / Sister Cebreros on divisions in San Juan.

Sister Cebreros is so excited as their branch was made ​​a ward last Sunday. This day they were waiting outside the church for President Egbert as one of their investigators had a special interview-whom Saturday night was baptized. This sweet sister pictured with them is the Ward Young Women's President. She is over 13 young women in the ward. Our ​​missionaries thrive in this area because of the supportive members and the passion our "sister leader trainers" have for the Work of Salvation.

We are so proud of Cebreros Sister and Sister Luna ...

"Endurance is Patience Concentrated"

Thomas Carlyle

We would be misleading the world if we did not admit the mission has its challenges and some days are just a test of endurance, patience, and long suffering-all for the greater good of another. We salute our many missionaries who work diligently everyday with exact obedience and determination to rescue the "Lost Sheep" one by one. Often it may be their own companions who they are trying to save ...

District Meeting on Wednesday in Tizayuca

and (below) in Panuaya / Presas with Elder Beesely.

President commented what a wonderful class Elder Beesely presented. He is able to bring the spirit to the class quickly because of his tender heart. President is so grateful for the tender mercy of having him back in the mission in good health.

Oh-this must be our branch "ho-down" in Molango. Our missionaries look great in their Western attire. And an activity (below) with the kids in the primary. Elder Vique and Elder Zeledon always doing great and so involved in their area. I'm not sure about the guy in yellow .... Investigator?

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Sometimes you just gotta find the joy in the work ...

And these two don't have to look very hard.

Central Zone Leaders in Pachuca

Always able to have a good time and a laugh with the simplest of things ...

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This sweet sister providing a teaching moment in the kitchen-

The sisters are so generous to feed our missionaries daily for "la comida" (lunch). Often sharing ALL they have for the benefit of the missionaries. We are mindful of the humble circumstances of so many - and are touched by their sacrifice. President and I give thanks daily and also pray that our missionaries are gracious and grateful for the meals provided.

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"If we could not laugh we would all go insane."

-Robert Frost

Mission Leaders headed back on the bus after training ...

Dear Elder Felsted's parents ... we are not quite sure what's happening to him here in the mission. He always has the craziest faces! But, oh how we love his sense of humor-and photogenic characteristics. We probably won't let these kids come home when it's time. We love them too much!

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Elder Iverson (above) and Elder Castro (below) enjoying the beauty of spring in Tulancingo- the area in which they serve.

25th May 2014- Sunday

President and I attended the Pachuca Centro-Centro Ward of Elder Contreras and Elder Park. What an amazing ward! So impressed with the bishopric and just the overall spirit in the meeting today. Surprise we spoke on missionary work and of course President shared some great stories from his youth and statistics of the blessings received in regards to future church activation if mission service is involved.... Elder Contreras shared his testimony as well as Hermana Cordona from the neighboring ward. That sweet trio of sisters were invited by this sweet bishop to attend their sacrament meeting service. Each companionship had a baptism last night! Yea!!!! Sorry I didn't get the sisters picture before they took off for their ward council meeting....

Interesting side note: Elder Contreras (left) when he was transferred to this area realized that the Bishop served in his home ward as a young missionary. Elder Contreras remembers him eating in his home as a missionary when he was just a young boy. What a small world! And other side note: Notice Elder Parks amazing tie that a wonderful sister made for him! A beautiful color and heart felt gesture of love for missionary service.

Monday, May 19, 2014

"Regarding one's testimony, remember, that which one willingly shares he keeps, while that which he selfishly keeps he loses.. Teach and testify. There is no better combination."

President Thomas S Monson

Mission Tour Week - 2014

Monday- Preparation Day including office meetings, planning meetings, special interviews and house cleaning as we prepared for the arrival of Elder Alan R Walker of the Seventy and his wife.

Tuesday- Exercised, washed both cars inside and out while President rode his stationary bike for two hours reading as many letters as he could as he knew his time would be limited for the week. And then as unexpectedly as could happen the ENTIRE Mission home flooded. We had a large rain and hail storm Monday night and our roof had over a foot of water across the top. A church employee who came to the mission home earlier Tuesday morning was working on our water boiler which had blown up and burned up the whole side of the house. He was painting the house in that area before Elder Walkers arrival and noticed the massive water on our roof and that the drain was plugged. He unplugged the drain which overwhelmed our sewer system causing all the water from the roof to come up through all the sinks, toilets, tub, and showers. I was outside and walked into the house to get paper towel to clean the car windows and our house was covered in 2 -3 inches of water EVERYWHERE. I just stood there and was like "Oh NO!". Needless to say 6 hours later we got it all cleaned up -made banana bread for wednesday mornings zone conference and threw dinner in the oven in perfect time for the arrival for Elder/Sister Walker. Oh heavens...stress level a little elevated!

Wednesday-Mission Tour Zone Conferences Tecamac I - Tecamac II

Zone Conferences went from 900 am to 130 pm. The devotional starting with a song, prayer, reciting "Missionary Purpose" and DC 4. Then two missionaries were called on by Elder Walker to give a 10 minute talk on Alma 23:6. The whole mission had been asked to prepare a ten minute talk knowing only two would be asked to share. It was wonderful and set the tone. Then I spoke for ten minutes with President translating, President Egbert for 30 minutes, Hermana Walker spoke for 30-40 minutes and then we had a 15 minute break for a snack and bathroom break. Then Elder Alan R. Walker trained the remaining time. After zone conference Elder Walker interviewed 2 missionaries and President interviewed 2-3 missionaries.

The missionaries through the entire mission were so attentive and enjoyed the training and council by Elder/Hermana Walker. They are from Argentina and were serving in the Monterrey Mission for three years before their call last year to the Seventy. They have one daughter (7) and live in Mexico City where he is employed by the church as a financial controller for the Mexico Area. They are young in years but seasoned in church service and experience. What a privilege and blessing to have them visit our mission.

Each night we traveled to various Stake Centers and had training with ward/stake councils on the Work of Salvation with most of the missionaries in attendance again with their wards/units. Again all 4 of us speaking...

Don't be fooled by Elder Reese's serious face (below left) as he says I don't take the picture fast enough when he is smiling. True! He was smiling right before this... I need to work on my lightening fast picture taking skills. Love all these missionaries so much. Notice Elder Panigua picked his birthday gift - a new toothbrush/toothpaste/and shower scrubby. It;s the simple things in life that brings joy... and Elder Jacobson/Elder Rodas speaking one on one with Hermana Walker. What a fantastic day we had in Tecamac!

Friday Zone Conference-

Tezontepec - Valle de Mezquital - Tulancingo Zones

Valle De Mezquital Zone- May 2014

Tezontepec Zone- May 2014

Tulancingno Zone- May 2014

Hola Presidente!

Well this week I have really learned a ton! Especially
about exact obedience! I told my companion I really wanted us to be as
obedient as we possibly could and I know when we really tried our hardest and
best to be exactly obedient we really saw and felt the Lords hand in this work.
We even had a really neat experience were we tried to be exactly obedient on
the dot with time and the day we tried our very best to be our best we had new investigator's, time to teach, and really felt the spirit and so much more.
There was a day where we ended Noche de Hogar later than we should have which
only left us with ten minutes left before we had to be in our house. And you
know what we did Presidente? We sprinted all the way home! And it was a really
unique experience for me because I realized that one, the Lord really does
provide the strength when we are trying to follow Him, and two that even though
I am the junior companion I can still contribute and help my companion to be
exactly obedient and have the courage to accomplish all things. My companion and I were mid way home and I realized she was getting behind and I was getting
ahead, I thought we have to do this together!! And I told her (or I tried to
tell her the very best I could) that we are running and doing this together.
Neither one behind neither one ahead. We are companions and a team in this work
to be the very best missionaries we need and should be! And so I made sure I
ran exactly by her and motivated her to keep going! And not only did we arrive
on time but a minute early! (We even took pictures to document the moment of
our dedication to be EXACTLY OBEDIENT) I really felt connected and empowered
with both of our desires to follow the Lord the very best we could! Even if it
meant being sweaty and barely being able to breath. There are still a lot of
things we could be better at but its great because we have room to grow and
progress. Sometimes I feel that she maybe thinks I am a little
too...enthusiastic? or too dedicated with trying to be exactly obedient but I
know it will bring us closer to the Lord and I see the blessings for me because
my confidence has really grown in this work because I know I am trying to give
it all. And deep down I think or at least hope she loves it and sees the
difference! And even if I have to do it alone and be strong on my own I know I
can do it! And I know if will always encourage her to do it even if it is hard.
And honestly sometimes, it is hard, but anything with the Lord is possible. I
mean we ran a good mile or so in 10 minutes! and I know it wasn't because of me.
I am learning so much and I know we will see the blessings in our area if we
try our best! We did not get to teach as much as we would have liked too but
this week we are really trying to go strong! During Zone Conference, one of our
zone leaders said that the people are there for us to complete our goals and
your goals for 40, we just have to have faith and diligently work hard to find
them! I am learning so much and am so thankful we were able to talk to our
families this past week! Everyday my testimony grows and I know my family is
learning a long with me as I am doing this work for our Lord. Every day I want
to do something that scares and that pushes me to be better and be EXACTLY
OBEDIENT. I know we can do this and Presidente, I am so thankful for you and
Herman Egbert! I am certain we have the BEST Presidente (Usted) y esposa de
Presidente (Hermana Egbert) in the entire world! I am thankful for everything
you do and appreciate it all! Trying my best to represent our Lord and our
mission well! Tenga buen semana :) Hermana G

Saturday Mission Leadership Council- May 2014

The Arrival of the "Stripling Warriors" to the mission home for training by President Egbert and Elder Walker.

Mission Leadership Council- May 2014

Survival of the Mexico Pachuca Mission Tour 2014

An incredible experience- Thank you Elder/Hermana Walker

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Sneak peek of the mission ...

Together there is nothing we can't accomplish!

Dear President,

this week has been an excellent week...well I know that
there is always room for improvement but we are slowing getting there. This
week our investigator Juan, finished his baptism interview. He is literally a
rock star, he is 74 years old and he rides his bike to church. He stopped
smoking, stopped hanging out with his friends and is doing everything so that
he can make a covenant with God. Its so cool to see how people have that desire
to become closer to their Heavenly Father. He is getting baptized this saturday
and we couldn't be anymore excited. Our area is amazing and the members are so
loving, they give us so much food that my companion and I can barely walk
after. ha I love this work and I love how being here!!! Serving the Lord has
even changed my family. Its amazing to
see how many blessing the Gospel can bring into someones life. I want everyone
to experience the joy that I have, and Im excited to share it with everyone.
Everyday I am progressing, at least I hope that I am. I want to be converted
like my converts and always remember the love that Christ has for us,and that
we are never alone and that we dont need to feel that way. Thank you for
receiving revelation and helping us become better missionaries. I am striving
to become the fourth missionary. Thank you!!!!! love you Hermana A

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Pretending to be "Bad Boyz" for just a minute...

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Oh My!

Nothing sweeter than these moments in the Mission field.

Great job Elders.

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Elder Cardwell found a little friend

"President, can we keep him as the mission mascot?"

Sometimes it is the tiniest of people that need the missionaries attention... participating in a little "tea party".

It's always a "fiesta" while in the mission. No where else we rather be at this time in our lives. We love the people of Mexico!

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A little P-Day soccer on a Monday afternoon

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The zone leaders (below) commented how on Saturday, sisters from the Hacienda ward had four baptized and the service was incredible. They were so prepared with cookies, flowers, and a poster! These zone leaders were so impressed and said to President, "After their baptism we talked and decided we better up our game so we can try and duplicate the environment and feeling of the spirit in that meeting!" What a wonderful compliment to our sisters serving in 'Hacienda'.